I can only imagine that it would have been extremely difficult to follow our first president, who was also a revered, respected, and greatly loved man! I'm sure Adams felt a lot of pressure when he went into office. I certainly cannot imagine anyone in his position not feeling a tremendous amount of pressure. Having to follow a hugely popular man would add that much more pressure to the unimaginable burden of running a brand new country.

I can only imagine that it would have been extremely difficult
to follow our first president, who was also a revered, respected,
and greatly loved man! I'm sure Adams felt a lot of pressure
when he went into office. I certainly cannot imagine anyone
in his position not feeling a tremendous amount of pressure.
Having to follow a hugely popular man would add that much more
pressure to the unimaginable burden of running a brand new
country.

Had Washinton decided to run for a thrid term I think it is safe
to say he would have ran unopposed, as this was the case for his
second term. Washington had tremendous insight by realizing
that he was setting a presidential precedent, (until F.D.R.'s
historic third term run) He realized power had to be transferred to
another, however he did not envy Adams one bit. No matter how
modest he could have been, Obivously he realized "someone" had to
follow him. Adams deserved to be president, however his
greatness would always be overshadowed by the first president of
The United States.